Ice Castles Return to Minnesota

20 Reasonsto Explore Minnesota

Discover some of the many reasons to explore Minnesota, listed here in no particular order.

1. Checkpoint MN

For the second year in a row, Explore Minnesota, in partnership with Minneapolis-based Monopoint Media, will launch a statewide scavenger hunt. Called “Checkpoint Minnesota,” the contest will include 12 checkpoints at iconic Minnesota winter destinations.

2. Romantic Getaways

The most romantic place isn’t always a beach with an umbrella drink in hand and flowers in your hair. Sometimes it’s a quiet, cozy, firelit retreat, with snow drifting silently outside. Here are a few places that will help you get back in touch with nature—and your partner.

3. Winter Fun

Winter in Minnesota is the perfect time of year to get together with loved ones, embrace old traditions, or even start some new ones. Visit a holiday market, explore a nature center, check out a museum, warm up at a water park or go maple syruping this season.

4. Famous Foodies

The swath cut by Minnesota's food personalities is a wide one. You can see them on national television, hear them on the radio, and taste their creations by way of books and the Internet, as shown by this (brief and greatly abridged) collection of biographical sketches.

5. River Town Retreats

There’s little that rekindles romance like a cozy B&B room with a fireplace at the end of a crisp winter’s day exploring the sights together. The river towns of southeast Minnesota are ideal for that sort of getaway. The region offers several easy river town escapes, perfect for a weekend packed with activities, or an easy-does-it unwinding together.

6. Educational Attractions

Opportunities for educational travel abound in Minnesota, with museums of all types, historic sites and monuments among the many options. Whether your kids are into history, science, art or world cultures, they'll find a place that expands their minds -- even if they're having too much fun to notice.

7. Scenic Byways

Overlooking the lovely port city of Duluth, the Skyline Parkway offers travelers a bird's-eye view of the harbor and the endless shoreline of Lake Superior, with great local parks and trails for hiking and cross-country skiing.

8. Pro Sports Teams

There's no shortage of sports teams to cheer in Minnesota, from professional leagues to college teams to local clubs. Whether you love NBA basketball, NCAA hockey or roller derby, you can watch top athletes compete at venues around the state.

9. New Attractions

New attractions, events and entertainment options mean there's even more to see and do in Minnesota in 2015. Check out some of this year's highlights, including a new wild animal park, year-round recreation area, casino and ballpark.

10. Delicious Doughnuts

Classic doughnuts, both cake and raised, are available throughout Minnesota, made with old-fashioned love and a lot of sugar, powdered or otherwise. But the last five years have also seen a nouveau doughnut renaissance in the Twin Cities, with newer shops offering exotic twists and cupcake-level marketing.

11. One Really Cool Airport

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is considered among the best in the country, and was recently called "the best two-hour layover in the U.S." by Men’s Journal. Get there early or spend some time after you land to discover any or all of these 10 highlights.

12. Snow Sports

Minnesota is known for its winters, and those who venture here when the snow is falling embrace the season with open, down coat-covered arms. Rather than hibernating or escaping to a tropical locale, discover the beauty of this time of year in a new way.

13. Winter Trails

14. Craft Beer Galore

For years, domestic beer was viewed as wine's lowbrow cousin, suitable for drinking during sporting events or cookouts, and little else. The craft brew revolution has turned that thinking on its head, and the past five to 10 years have seen an explosion in artisan beer production in Minnesota.

15. Light Rail Transit

Minneapolis and St. Paul have a lot of connections: The Mississippi River flows through them both, their residents root for the same sports teams, and their museums and theaters are world class. Now, they’re also physically connected by the Metro Green Line light rail, which runs between Minneapolis’ Target Field and St. Paul’s Union Depot.

16. Winter Festivals

It may be cold outside, but that doesn't mean it's time to hole up until spring. Bundle up and celebrate this special time of year at one of many winter festivals, which offer activities for all ages and interests.

18. Ski Lodge Getaways

19. Wonderful Wildlife

Wildlife sanctuaries dedicated to wolves, bears and eagles offer fun and education for animal lovers of all ages. Plan a trip to the International Wolf Center and North American Bear Center in Ely, the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary near Orr, and the National Eagle Center in Wabasha.

20. Unique Adventures

In Minnesota, the fishing stays hot even after the lakes freeze over. Just drill a hole in the ice (power augers help!), drop in a line and relax until a fish takes a nibble. For many anglers, this low-tech, no-fuss, boat-free fishing has a special appeal.

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AnneMN Expert since 2003

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